The Florida woman who went missing after apparently falling from a cruise ship near Cancun, Mexico, on Christmas night suffered ''emotional issues,'' according to family members, who suspect she may have committed suicide.
Meanwhile, U.S. Coast Guard officials, along with Mexican authorities, suspended their search for Jennifer Ellis-Seitz late Monday afternoon.
''The Coast Guard and Mexican navy conducted an exhaustive search for Jennifer Seitz, but have not located her,'' said Coast Guard Capt. Dean Lee in a statement. "Our thoughts are with Jennifer Seitz's family and friends during this difficult time.''
Ellis-Seitz, 36, of Winter Haven, was on a seven-day cruise with her husband celebrating their first wedding anniversary aboard the Norwegian Pearl as it traveled through the western Caribbean. The woman's mother accompanied the couple on the trip.
In a statement to The News Chief, a local newspaper in Winter Haven, family members said Jennifer and her husband, Raymond, were celebrating their one-year anniversary on the cruise and that the couple was thinking of starting a family.
''Jennifer, however, has had previous emotional issues,'' the statement said. "The family suspects that Jennifer chose an unfortunate ending to her life. She was a beautiful and caring person and will be truly missed by all who love her.''
Read the full story at MiamiHerald.com.